Devon Witherspoon dominates PFF's cornerback rankings. Seattle's defense transforms with his elite coverage, run-stopping, and disruptive playmaking.
The Seattle Seahawks’ defensive identity took a major step forward in 2025, and one of the biggest reasons was the performance of their cornerback corps.
In Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the best perimeter cornerbacks in the NFL for the 2025 season, Seattle finds itself standing out with Devon Witherspoon being near the top of the list.
Despite shifting more into perimeter coverage than he played earlier in his career, Witherspoon produced career-best grades across multiple facets of defense — not just in coverage, but also in run defense and even pass rush.
He put up 98 total tackles in his second season in the league, but that number dropped down to 72 this past season. But as a result, he played more on the outside and showed that he could do that too.
It’s not just the numbers, though — it’s how Witherspoon impacts opposing offenses. Elite cornerbacks can discourage quarterbacks from targeting their side of the field, and Witherspoon’s presence does exactly that. He finished the year with a lower missed-tackle rate and among the highest totals for defensive stops at his position, evidence that he’s more than just a coverage specialist.
The Seahawks’ investment in Witherspoon appears increasingly justified, as his play has become a foundational element of Seattle’s defensive scheme. Under coordinator Aden Durde and head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks turned their secondary into one of the league’s most dynamic units, and Witherspoon has been at the heart of that transformation.
Seattle’s secondary as a whole has drawn praise across analytics platforms, with other contributors like Riq Woolen and a rising safety group helping complement Witherspoon’s impact. While Woolen missed the top-four perimeter list, his coverage metrics — including a very low yards-allowed rate — still rank among the league’s best, illustrating the depth and talent Seattle fields in the secondary.
For Seahawks fans, the PFF ranking is more than just a stat line — it’s proof that a once-questioned defensive backfield has evolved into a real strength. With Witherspoon leading the charge and young playmakers supporting him, Seattle’s perimeter defense has emerged as a true cornerstone of the team’s success.